Game Preview: #3 Ohio State vs. #9 Michigan State

Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) gestures to offensive line during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Ohio State Buckeyes are now five wins away from repeating as national champions. With the school’s first 10 wins of the season coming against teams currently unranked, the true test begins this weekend as Urban Meyer’s squad welcomes number nine Michigan State to Columbus.

The Spartans’ chances of making the playoffs are slim, but there’s still a sliver of hope. That hope could be dashed if quarterback Connor Cook’s shoulder isn’t completely healed. The senior was held out of the second half against Maryland for precautionary reasons after suffering the injury, but stated this week that he is ready to go against Ohio State.

There are numerous matchups to keep an eye on in this game. A couple include, Michigan State WR Aaron Burbridge versus Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple and Buckeyes’ left tackle Taylor Decker against defensive end Shilique Calhoun. The most critical matchup however, will be the MSU offensive line going up against the OSU defensive line.

Not only will the Michigan State offensive line have to protect Cook’s injured shoulder, they also need to give their QB time to find an open receiver. Cook has continued to struggle with his decision-making this season, and Ohio State is a team that will take advantage of any ill-advised throws. Preventing a pass rush will be critical for Michigan State to keep this game close. Expect the Spartans to double team potential first-overall draft pick Joey Bosa on just about every dropback.

When Ohio State has the football, look out for wide receiver Michael Thomas. The Michigan State secondary has been dreadful at times this season and the Buckeyes will look to exploit this weakness. Thomas may not be the deep threat Devin Smith was last season, but he’s much more well-rounded. He’s caught a touchdown pass in eight of 10 games this season. With a lack of secondary depth, receivers Jalin Marshall and Braxton Miller will see plenty of targets as well.

Prediction:

Ohio State certainly has the talent to make another late-season run at the title. Michigan State on the other hand, has really struggled to put together four solid quarters of play. While they may get away with this against teams such as Indiana and Purdue, the Buckeyes won’t allow Michigan State to hang around in this one.

Ohio State wins 41-24